Free audiobook downloads pilot for Highland library users
Highland Libraries are pleased to launch a new Audio book Download service from Clipper Audio and Net Library. MP3 Audio books will be free to download during the pilot period and users are invited to feedback and comment on the new service.
Library members can use the service anywhere with access to an internet connection, from the library, at home, on your journey to work, or even abroad on holiday. All you need is access to a PC either at home or in the library, or even from a smart phone and your Highland Library card number and PIN number.
To start downloading, visit the new library catalogue and login to ‘My Account’. Once logged in using the library barcode and PIN, users will see a link to ‘Net Library’ to the download website at the top of the screen, where users can create a free account and begin downloading.
The new download service aims to compliment the library’s traditional collections of audio book titles on CD, tape and MP3 playaway formats, which will continue to be available. The introductory collection will include a limited number of over 600 free titles for a period of 6 months to enable Highland Libraries to assess this new service, and welcome any suggestions for future improvements.
Items are automatically “returned” or you can choose to renew and listen to your audio book for a while longer. This is the latest step in the development of ‘Highland Libraries Online’ to which aims to increase access to libraries collections by delivering digital services wherever you are.
Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said: “I would encourage people to try the new service and let the library folk have some feedback. We are keen to use technology wherever possible to extend services and make available books in as many formats as possible. Audio books offer many advantages to the whole community to hear works spoken and whilst the blind and partially sighted are part of that, the offer extends to everyone who would like to listen to a book being whilst relaxing or doing something else. The more folk who use it during the trial period the more information will be available to us to assess the advantages.”
For more information and to join call into your local library or visit /leisureandtourism/libraries/ and go to the eAudiobook Download Collection page, where you will find clear instructions on how to start downloading.